Michigan (19-5) at Ohio State (15-10)
- When: Feb 16 2025, 1:00 PM
- Where: Value City Arena, Columbus, OH, USA
- Where to watch: CBS
Game Preview
Ohio State is favored by 2.5 | Total: 151.0
Ohio State Buckeyes (15-10, 7-7 Big Ten) – Defending Home Court in Heated Rivalry
Ohio State is set to host Michigan in one of the most intense rivalries in college sports, and despite their unranked status, the Buckeyes will be looking to spoil the Wolverines’ conference title hopes. Ohio State has been finding its rhythm under head coach Jake Diebler, who took over mid-season and has led the team to a solid turnaround.
The Buckeyes have been rolling offensively, putting up 93 points in their recent win over Washington and securing a dominant 24-point victory. A major reason for their recent success is Micah Parrish, a transfer from San Diego State, who has been on fire, posting back-to-back 20+ point games for the first time in his college career. Parrish dropped a career-high 30 points against Nebraska, followed by 21 points vs. Washington.
Ohio State has also played well at home, making this a tough environment for Michigan to thrive in. The Buckeyes are fueled by revenge after their football team suffered an upset loss to Michigan earlier in the year, and the crowd at Value City Arena should be electric.
Expect Ohio State to try and push the tempo early and attack Michigan’s defense, which ranks just outside the top 100 in efficiency. The Buckeyes are a strong bet to cover at home in what should be a high-scoring affair.
Michigan Wolverines (19-5, 11-2 Big Ten) – Big Ten Title Contenders
Michigan has been one of the biggest surprises in college basketball this season, going from worst to first in the Big Ten under new head coach Dusty May. The Wolverines have been on fire, winning five straight games, including a statement 75-73 victory over No. 7 Purdue.
Despite their impressive run, Michigan will have to navigate a tough environment in Columbus, where Ohio State is playing its best basketball of the season. Adding to the drama, Roddy Gayle Jr., a former Buckeye, now plays for Michigan and will likely receive a hostile reception from the Ohio State faithful.
Gayle, who recently lost his starting role, bounced back with 14 points against Purdue, showing he can be an X-factor off the bench. The Wolverines also have Danny Wolf dominating the paint, providing an inside presence that could challenge Ohio State’s defensive schemes.
The key to Michigan’s success in this matchup will be their ability to control the pace, limit turnovers, and find offensive consistency. If they can execute their game plan, they have the potential to pull off an upset and stay atop the Big Ten standings.
Betting Prediction & Analysis
This rivalry game is always unpredictable, and while Michigan is the better overall team on paper, Ohio State has momentum, home-court advantage, and a red-hot Micah Parrish leading the charge. The Buckeyes should be able to dictate the pace, using their offense to exploit Michigan’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Look for a high-scoring affair with both teams trading runs, but ultimately, Ohio State’s home-court energy and improved offense give them the edge.
Best Bet: Ohio State -2.5
Lean: Over 151 (Expect a fast-paced, high-scoring game)
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
